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Food stamp benefit changes are coming soon

CONCORD — Food stamp benefits will yo-yo in the coming two months, as they increase slightly in October, only to fall in November, state human service officials said.

For a family of four receiving the state maximum for food stamps, that means they will get $668 on Oct. 1, only to see it drop to $632 the following month.

Officials said the increase reflects the annual cost of living adjustment. The decrease reflects the expiration of extra funding that was part of the federal stimulus act of 2009.

“We are reaching out to all our clients that receive food stamp benefits so that they are aware of the changes and understand how this will affect them,” said Terry Smith, director of the state Divison of Family Assistance.